Conservation plan for heritage sites in pipeline

Guwahati, Apr 03 (UNI) The Asom Government's vision for preserving the Guwahati city has again found mention in the new draft master plan for the city.

A year after Dispur came up with an ambitious project to develop a la-Marine Drive on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati and even proposed a series of evictions in the area, the city master plan has brought more smiles to the historians and conservationists by unveiling a mechanism to protect the historical sites and the heritage precincts.

The draft master plan has proposed creation of three conservation zones for their protection and preservation. The proposed zones are Kamakhya Temple Zone atop Nilachal Hills, Brahmaputra River Temple Zone - including the Umananda Temple, the Janardhanan Temple, the Sikh Temple in Fancy Bazar - and the Vasistha Ashram Zone.

The draft has proposed the constitution of a Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) by the state government to keep watch on the three zones. The committee will comprise a chairman with experience in the field of heritage conservation. Experienced heritage architects and structural engineers would prepare a list of the heritage buildings based on their ages, historical relevance, special value for architectural or cultural reasons.

Once the proposal in accepted and finalized, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) would be the competent authority responsible for the conservation of heritage buildings and their precincts.

The GMDA, in consultation with the HCC, would monitor the sites, a GMDA official said.

The proposed regulations have restricted development, redevelopment or repair of the heritage buildings, besides prohibiting advertisement hoardings or outdoor display structures.

However, the GMDA would be able to modify and relax the provisions of the other regulations in consultation with the HCC.

The HCC would also recommend guidelines to be adopted by those private parties who sponsor beautification schemes at public intersections.

UNI